Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) is a UK-based organisation working to end the international arms trade. Nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize.
United Kingdom
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📑 NEW REPORT: UK arms exports in 2024
Read for:
🔴 Trends in UK arms exports
🔴 Arms sales to Israel, UAE & others
🔴 Key concerns about the arms trade
🔴 Issues of transparency
🔴 Our recommendations
Available now: caat.org.uk/publications/uk-…
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BREAKING: The Court of Appeal has ruled that UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia for use in #Yemen are UNLAWFUL. All arms sales licences suspended! #StopArmingSaudi
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STARVING CHILDREN IS A RED LINE
📍NOW outside of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster
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This is huge.
Unite, one of the UK's largest trade unions, has voted for a full arms embargo on Israel.
Last week, the union voted to support members who refuse to handle weapons for Israel and support divestment campaigns.
Solidarity with the workers.
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NOW: The High Court is hearing a case to challenge the government's decision to ban Palestine Action under anti-terror laws.
🧵Thread of updates from inside court:
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SUSPENSION OF ARMS SALES TO ISRAEL MEANINGLESS IF IT DOES NOT INCLUDE F-35 COMPONENTS
There is currently a lot of talk that the UK may be about to announce at least a partial suspension of arms exports to Israel. This is welcome, but as always, the devil is in the detail. A 🧵
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We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been nominated for the #NobelPeacePrize alongside the brilliant @MwatanaEn! 🥳🥲
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HAPPENING NOW: noisy protests in Park Lane are disrupting the arms dealers dinner. Arms dealers here tonight are complicit in genocide. Change of “Free free Palestine”and “shame on you” #StopArmingIsrael #FreePalestine
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HAPPENING NOW: People are blockading the Bristol Arms fair. Exhibitors include Elbit Systems and BAE Systems.
Wherever arms dealers are meeting, protesters will greet them.
#StopArmingIsrael #FreePalestine
ALT Protesters outside Ashton Gate stadium with a banner reading Britain, stop arming Israel in English and Welsh and the Palestinian flag
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ALT LABOUR APPROVED MORE WEAPONS TO ISRAEL IN THREE MONTHS THAN THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS COMBINED. The Labour government approved £127.6 million in military licences between October-December 2024 - totalling more than 2020-2023 combined.
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At this point @zarahsultana is practically doing the work of two Committees, and providing parliamentary oversight and scrutiny that should not be down to one person, or a few people to ensure. Every elected MP should be outraged by these revelations.
This should be getting *way* more news coverage.
Just a month into the war, the Foreign Office had "serious concerns" about Israel's compliance with international law, but government ministers hid this fact from the public.
I spoke about these revelations in Parliament today:
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Enough is enough! There are no excuses left. Following the ICJ ruling, the government must immediately halt all arms exports to Israel.
Read full press release here - caat.org.uk/news/media-relea…
#StopArmingIsrael #ICJGazaGenocide #FreePalestine
ALT Slide reads: No more excuses: The UK must immediately halt arms exports to Israel after ICJ genocide ruling. This government must stop putting the profits of arms companies above the lives of Palestinian people. The Foreign Office assessment unit has found excuse after excuse to ignore and dismiss allegations that Israel is committing IHL violations. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. There are no excuses left. This government must back calls for a ceasefire and stop arms exports to Israel immediately.
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We're very glad that the Court of Appeal has said that the UK must #StopArmingSaudi. But we shouldn’t have needed to take the government to court to force it to stick to its own rules on arms sales.
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On Kent police threatening to arrest a protestor with signs "Free Gaza" & "Israel is committing a genocide", the Judge claimed that "there will be cases where the police get things wrong" & this was an "officer that doesn't understand the law".
Still no apology from Kent Police.
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The Israeli Ministry of Finance owns an arms factory in Newcastle.
Now that the Israeli Finance Minister has been sanctioned by the government, will this factory be forced to shut?
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Amazing news from the Court of Appeal! Together, we have forced the government to STOP arms sales to Saudi Arabia for use in #Yemen - at least for now. #StopArmingSaudi
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BREAKING: US nuclear weapons have reportedly arrived on British soil for the first time in almost two decades.
Reports indicate that several B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bombs were received at RAF Lakenheath, in Suffolk.
Britain is now a US nuclear base.
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Fantastic action by Belgian transport unions! Translation of the post:
Belgian transport unions refuse to load and unload weapons going to Israel (both via ports and airports) and call for an immediate ceasefire.
#LETGAZALIVE #CeaseFireInGaza #SolidarityWithPalestine
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Richard Dannatt, a life peer, has been a paid adviser to Teledyne, a weapons manufacturer since 2022
He was directly asked to lobby the government against Palestine Action on multiple occasions after the group targeted an arms factory.
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CAAT: The UK is complicit in Israel’s killing of UK aid workers in Gaza
7 aid workers, incl. 3 UK citizens, were killed by a strike from an Elbit Systems Hermes 450 drone. It's powered by a R902(W) Wankel engine, made in UK by Elbit's UAV Engines Ltd(1/7)
caat.org.uk/news/media-relea…
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The government's bizarre, circular argument that because the #Filton23 are being charged under the Terrorism Act and Palestine Action celebrated them, then Palestine Action are terrorists.
Concerns from @AmnestyUK & UN on use of terror laws in this case was mentioned.
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‘Get out of London,’ Sadiq Khan, tells organisers of London arms fair independent.co.uk/news/uk/po… #StopDSEI
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Six years ago Israel’s aerial bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza killed over 2,200 Palestinians. Israel continues to kill Palestinians with impunity, raining bombs again on besieged Gaza this week. We need an immediate embargo on arms to Israel now. #StopArmingIsrael
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The UK Government has repeatedly failed to answer questions about if UK arms are being used by Israeli forces and complict in war crimes.
Were British weapons used to murder Tala (13), Rula (5), her big sister Yara (9), and hundreds of other Palestinians in Gaza in Israel's latest bombardment?
The Prime Minister couldn't answer this question at #PMQs today. Horrific.
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Government dragged back to court for approving more arms sales to Saudi Arabia independent.co.uk/news/uk/po…
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Today, the High Court Judge will rule on whether to permit a Judicial Review into the proscription of Palestine Action.
The judgement is set to be heard at 2pm.
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Shut it down! Well done to campaigners in Bristol who blockaded Elbit's site in Filton this morning. #StopArmingIsrael
ALT CN: A crowd of campaigners holding signs saying Stop Arming Israel and waving Palestinian flags.
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We stand in unequivocal support with Palestine Action and the outrageous decision by this government to try to proscribe them.
WE ARE ALL PALESTINE ACTION
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Israel has massacred 210 journalists in Gaza.
More journalists have been killed in Gaza than both world wars, the Vietnam War, US invasion of Afghanistan, and wars in Yugoslavia combined.
British journalists justifying Israel's crimes should be ashamed.
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The government is defending its supply of F-35 fighter jets - used to drop 2,000lb bombs - by claiming Israel is not targeting women and children in Gaza.
They are denying genocide in order to justify arming it.
We will not forget.
theguardian.com/world/2025/m…
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The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, did not consider the impact on Palestinians and Muslims in the assessment of the decision to proscribe Palestine Action.
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Evidence from @jmcevoy_2 is being cited over the the "sheer confusion" over what journalists are allowed to cover given the proscription of Palestine Action.
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These actions show no sign of stopping.
Cooper and this Labour government will be forced to reckon with reality: people oppose genocide and they support action to stop the flow of weapons for Israel's genocide in Gaza.
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The Saudi military's chief spokesman reacts to protestors condemning his role in the destruction of Yemen. #StopArmingSaudi
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Solidarity with @Pal_action - we are appalled at the recent use of terrorism powers against activism. Direct action is NOT TERRORISM! Taking action against companies complicit in genocide is NOT TERRORISM! Supporting liberation for Palestinian people is NOT TERRORISM!
ALT Solidarity statement with Palestine Action CAAT is appalled at the recent use of terrorism powers against Palestine Action activists. Direct action is NOT TERRORISM! Taking action against companies complicit in genocide is NOT TERRORISM! Supporting liberation for Palestinian people is NOT TERRORISM! Palestine Action and others taking action are ordinary people taking extraordinary steps to end violence and oppression: they are attempting to stop a genocide. THEY ARE NOT TERRORISTS!
ALT There is a POWERFUL history of direct action in the peace movement that directly targets the tools of war - and disarmament actions are an important and celebrated part of that movement. It is easy to feel scared and intimidated by this repression. But our power in challenging this repression is firmly rooted in active solidarity. We refuse to be silent. We will continue supporting direct action against this trade in death and destruction.
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The government assessment via Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre found that 3 of 385 actions by Palestine Action meet the threshold for terrorism. The proscription is because of these 3.
@andrewfeinstein has found there were not 385, but likely 500 actions.
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Fantastic to have so much support outside court today. We want to end UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia for use in #Yemen. #StopArmingSaudi #YemenCantWait
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Arguments are now being heard over whether Palestine Action was seeking to influence government, as this is needed to be classified as terrorism.
We're hearing that Palestine Action aimed to influence businesses and members of the public, not the government.
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Amazing NOT GUILTY verdict for @SamWalton & @revdanwoodhouse who tried to disarm BAE warplane! #StopArmingSaudi docs.google.com/document/d/1…
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The US decision to authorise a further $20 billion in arms sales to Israel as it continues its genocidal war in Gaza, is disgraceful, immoral, and contrary to international law.
The US has approved another $20bn in weapons transfers to Israel, despite concerns that Israeli forces are routinely violating international law in Gaza and the occupied West Bank aje.io/vtthc2
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CAAT has launched a new legal challenge to the sale of UK weapons for use in the war in #Yemen caat.org.uk/news/new-legal-c… #StopArmingSaudi
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.@SamWalton explains to police why he placed Saudi General Al-Asserie under citizens arrest for war crimes.
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Join us outside Downing Street from 5pm this evening to oppose the Crown Prince and all UK arms sales to his regime. #SaudiPrinceNotWelcome aje.io/24aln
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It shouldn’t take four years of schools, hospitals, weddings & funerals being bombed. It should not take tens of thousands of deaths and the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. UK government must #StopArmingSaudi and stop supporting the war in #Yemen
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How many thousands more Palestinians will be killed before our government stops arming Israel?
Every day our government fails to take action it grants impunity for Israel's genocide, occupation & apartheid.
Full Statement with @PSCupdates & @WarOnWant: caat.org.uk/news/joint-state…
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Amazing work from Bristol residents today coming out in numbers to #ShutElbitDown and demand we #StopArmingIsrael.
One local resident said “Not on my land. I was born and raised in Bristol and I can’t believe this is still going on...Get out Elbit!”
ALT Protesters with banners outside Elbit in Bristol
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F-35 fighter jets are used to drop 2,000lb bombs on families in Gaza.
We will never forget how this government created a deliberate loophole to continue supplying parts for Israel’s genocide.
David Lammy has explicitly ruled out stopping the UK export of F-35 parts to Israel, knowing these warplanes are being used in Gaza.
#DCUKparliament
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We cannot stay silent in the face of this repression.
We stand in solidarity with Shut Down Leonardo and condemn Police Scotland for using terrorism powers on people taking direct action.
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Britain sold at least £11m of arms to Saudi Arabia in weeks after Jamal Khashoggi's murder independent.co.uk/news/uk/ho…
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Alleged breaches of international law by Saudi forces in Yemen exceed 500 theguardian.com/world/2020/j…
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Yemen war: Saudi general hit by egg, arrest attempt in London shar.es/1QsnCd via @MiddleEastEye #StopArmingSaudi
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Theresa May's naughtiest moment - the truth. #StopArmingSaudi caat.org.uk/saudi-lobby
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Amazing action with a 30x20m(!) banner opposite ExCeL London this morning, where one of the world's biggest arms fairs is due to open #StopDSEI
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We've known from the start that 🇮🇱 has been using its F-35 aircraft - of which 15% of each plane is made in the UK - in its genocidal war on Gaza. Now, for the first time, @DanWatchDK have found definite evidence that an F-35 was used in a specific attack
caat.org.uk/news/investigati…
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This is huge.
The UK has blocked an official Israeli delegation to the UK’s largest arms fair, DSEI.
After months of campaigning to kick Israel out of DSEI, this is great news.
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Protestors hang off a bridge to block the road towards the destructive DSEI Arms Fair. Road not opening anytime soon #StopDSEI
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Just now: Campaigners blocking the road in East London outside the DSEI arms fair #StopDSEI
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Not guilty! Today's #StopDSEI trial has ended, with a not guilty verdict on both charges. The case was associated with the determined resistance to the London DSEI arms fair, that took place in September.
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Campaigners saying Stop Arming Israel outside the court this morning (now): we are expecting the hearing to go on for most of the day.
This case is vital in holding the government accountable for its complicity in Israel’s genocide. But it never should have come to this. Successive governments should have imposed a full arms embargo. Instead they prioritised the profits of arms dealers over Palestinian lives.
ALT The top half of the image is text with a photo of the Royal Courts of Justice on the right hand side. The text reads. On Monday 18th November the government will face the courts over arms sales to Israel. CAAT is joining GLAN, Al-Haq to challenge successive governments’ complicity in Israel’s war crimes. Our expert witness statement provides detailed analysis of available export licensing data to Israel, what this data tells us, and what uncertainties remain. The second half of the image is a quote box with the following quote - This case is vital in holding the government accountable for its complicity in Israel’s genocide. But it never should have come to this. Successive governments should have chosen the only legal and moral option available - the imposition of a full two-way arms embargo on Israel. Instead they have prioritised the profits of arms dealers over Palestinian lives.
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HAPPENING NOW: blockade of Elbit Systems in Bristol. Elbit, the rest of the arms trade, and this government are complicit in genocide. It’s down to us to stop them profiting from Israel’s horrific war crimes. #StopArmingIsrael #ShutElbitDown
ALT Protesters with Palestinian flags and banners outside Elbit
ALT Protesters with Palestinian flags and banners reading evict Elbit and Elbit systems kills kids for cash
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#HongKongProtestors have 5 demands: 1. Withdraw the Extradition Bill 2. Withdraw the use of the word 'riot' 3. Release the arrested protestors. 4. Independent inquiry into police behaviour 5. Genuine universal suffrage @DemocracyforHK @Stand_with_HK #StopDSEI
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You are arming this escalation of genocide.
Stop arming Israel.
My joint statement with @EmmanuelMacron and @MarkJCarney on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
ALT Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank Read the full statement on gov.uk in the link in the comments.
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Israel has massacred 120 Palestinians and injured 474 more people in the past 24 hours.
The UK and all of the countries arming this genocide are not only complicit, but participants in this slaughter.
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Great verdict for the four defendants that were acquitted this morning for protesting against the DSEI arms fair! #StopDSEI
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BREAKING: High Court has granted a judicial review into Palestine Action proscription.
This decision’s grounds:
- case to argue the government should have consulted with Palestine Action
- the proscription disproportionately interferes with freedom of expression and protest
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Now: Campaigners outside BAE Systems in Samlesbury which makes the rear fuselage of the F35 aircraft, currently being used in the Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Well done to Blackburn4Palestine for bringing everyone together.
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Judge challenges Eadie's argument that terrorism charges are outside of human rights protections by asking that as proscription affects conduct that is perfectly lawful, doesn't that mean it meets the threshold for human rights protections?
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Well done to everyone protesting the Liverpool Arms Fair today. Companies participating in the fair include Elbit Systems, whose weapons find use in the West Bank and Gaza, and Raytheon whose missiles are used by the Saudi coalition in Yemen.
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Hundreds outside Downing St for #CrownPrinceVisit to say #SaudiPrinceNotWelcome #StopArmingSaudi #Yemen
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MAPPED: All the UK companies manufacturing F35 components. Say no to the genocide profiteers on YOUR doorstep!
Search for your area, find your local arms dealer, and say no to companies profiting from genocide on YOUR doorstep!
#StopArmingIsrael
caat.org.uk/data/countries/i…
ALT Alt text - Image is of a Map of the UK with blood splatters across it. The text reads - MAPPED: All the UK companies manufacturing F35 combat aircraft components! UK industry makes 15% of every F35 Israel is using to bombard Gaza. Use our interactive map to find your local arms dealer and say NO to genocide profiteers on YOUR doorstep!
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KC says he will submit that placards calling for de-proscription over the weekend were lawful and that arrests were police overreach.
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There will be a written judgement made, and a further hearing for the judgement on Wednesday at 12pm.
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This is a scandal that the mainstream media refuses to report on.
The extent of Britain's role in facilitating the genocide in Gaza must be revealed and those involved must be held to account.
❗️BREAKING -- The RAF flew 78 transport planes to Israel from 7 October 2023 until the ceasefire.
(See answer below and other recent responses in parliament)
The govt has said these flights "included" transporting ministers & officials.
But what else have they been carrying❓
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DSEI: Sadiq Khan says London arms fair should be stopped #StopDSEI independent.co.uk/news/uk/po…
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Well done to everyone who joined Culture Workers Against Genocide last night asking Sadler’s Wells to drop its Barclays sponsorship. Barclays has large investments in BAE Systems, Boeing and Elbit, all complicit in the Israeli bombing of Gaza.
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Saudi general gives crowd the middle finger after dodging citizen's arrest by London peace activist ibt.uk/A6m2F?utm_source=soci… via @IBTimesUK
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Excellent to see UK’s shameful arms sales highlighted during #BBCDebate
The next government must #StopArmingSaudi caat.org.uk/saudi-lobby
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Last night, we protested against shameless genocide profiteers as they went to attack their swanky arms dealer dinner.
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REVEALED: DSEI, the UK's largest arms fair, have quietly removed Israel from the list of 'International Pavilions' on its website.
Israel was listed as exhibiting in April but was removed in July.
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The UK must stop licensing crowd control equipment to the US. The UK’s own rules say that arms exports should not be licensed where there is a clear risk that they might be used in repression. caat.org.uk/stop-arming-us-s… #BlackLivesMatter
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Campaigners found not guilty after breaking into BAE base to disarm fighter jets headed to Saudi Arabia. independent.co.uk/voices/sau…
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Any suspension of arms exports must include the UK’s significant contribution to F-35 and F-16 jets currently bombing Gaza. Restrictions will be meaningless if they do not include stopping the supply of F-35 and F-16 components, including via the US.
middleeasteye.net/news/exclu…
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The F-35 programme gives material & political consent from all Western partners, including the UK, for genocide.
That is why with 230+ organisations, we're demanding our governments immediately halt all arms to Israel including F-35 jets and components.
theguardian.com/world/2025/f…
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More than 40 artists have today removed their artwork from the @DesignMuseum's #HopeToNope exhibition in protest after it hosted an arms company reception. Join them in saying #nopetoarms caat.org.uk/hope-to-nope
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Argument being heard that it is better for one High Court ruling than hundreds of criminal cases, not all with access to proper representation.
There are thousands of people right now whose Article 10 Right to Freedom of Expression are being violated.
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STOP MANUFACTURING GENOCIDE IN NORFOLK
Spectrum Control equips critical parts for the F-35 fighter jet, used by Israel to drop 2,000lb bombs on Palestinians in Gaza.
PROTEST:
📅 Thurs 21st August
⏰ 8am
📍 Spectrum Control, Fenner Road, South Denes, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3PX
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UK government could be forced to ban Saudi arms sales after campaigners win right to appeal ruling independent.co.uk/news/uk/ho…
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